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JNA Institute of Culinary Arts Reviews List
JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
The small 7 table dining room is fashioned after a Quaint European Terrace with water features and located near the Avenue of the Arts---perfect for dinner & a show. The prix fixe menu changes quarterly & is served and prepared by culinary students. Open for dinner Tuesday through Friday.
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55 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 55 reviews
5 stars
(19)
4 stars
(23)
3 stars
(11)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(20)
- neighborhood gem(17)
- good for groups(9)
- romantic(9)
- special occasion(7)
- kid-friendly(4)
JNA Institute of Culinary Arts Reviews List
Review 1 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
food was really good!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food here was really good! It was fun to be at a culinary school for dinner. I did not like that the tip is not given to the server or kitchen staff. It is used toward a school scholarship program. That really annoyed me!"
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 2 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
looking for value - here it is
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"4 course meal outstanding value some dishes superb others average or above but wide choice range and attentive service"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Special school!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our 4-course meal was well-received by all 4 of us. Mediterranean theme was a good one. Meeting Joe was an extra treat, and he and his student server were attentive and courteous.
We would plan to return in another season, for another special dinner meal."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Outside the box
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food is prepared and served by students devoted to mastering the culinary arts. Food was themed from the Mediterranean and boasted a variety of flavors, textures, and colors."
Dined on 5/01/2013
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Review 5 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Unusual experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a recommendation for JNA and decided to act on it. It is very conveniently located with easy parking available on the street. The staff was very helpful and open to answering any questions we might have. One must remember that this is a school so expecting excellence is not the point, but, rather, to experience a "work in progress."
We were a group of 5 and were seated at a large table. One of the best factors was that we were so able to hear the conversation within our group but not from other tables.
The four courses were interesting and very tasty and nicely explained. All of us said we would return. Well worth the price."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 6 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything was beyond our
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everything was beyond our expectations"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2010
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Review 7 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I plan to vist frequently.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I plan to vist frequently. The menu changes quarterly and I hope to see it change more frequently. Everyone I've taken there has loved it."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2009
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Review 8 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome. Food was exceptional
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Awesome. Food was exceptional and the server(s) were attentive and also informative. Menu changes every 13 weeks and we plan to go for dinner at least 4 times per year to experience each."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2006
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Review 9 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Meals and service are very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Meals and service are very good. Definitely worth the cost of 4 courses price fix, plus gives students an opportunity to practice their craft. Been there a few times, never been disappointed."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2004
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Review 10 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We had a google offer. Can't
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a google offer. Can't beat the value--it came to $12.50 a person for four of us. Food is good, not great."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2005
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Review 11 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Well worth a try!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Perfect pre theatre option - the food was tasty and the concept of student servers was a nice addition to the experience."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly
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Review 12 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was better than I
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was better than I expected. The waitress was very good and attentive. She was able to explain the items on the menu and made good recommendations based upon our questions."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2006
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Review 13 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I love coming to eat here!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I love coming to eat here! Food is usually fantastic for the most part and they try very hard to give it a nice atmosphere"
Dined on 03/05/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was the first time my
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was the first time my husband and I went to JNA Culinary Institute. I was pleasantly surprised. I thought the service was excellent and the food was quite tasty. The employees were friendly and professional. I ate the pork tendorloin and my husband had the flat iron steak. We were both very happy with our selection choices. What a charming place to try, simple but quaint."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very nice experience. JNA
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very nice experience. JNA is a small, lesser-known culinary arts school in Philadelphia. We purchased a Groupon for dinner for four and it turned out to be a GREAT deal! The students were well supervised, the service was very good, the ambience lovely and the food was excellent. They also offer wine by the glass or bottle (we brought our own). Give it a try!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 16 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great evening at JNA. The
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great evening at JNA. The food is terrific"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
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Review 17 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Quiet. Not Fancy. Food was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Quiet. Not Fancy. Food was very good and service was very freindly. A very good value."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2008
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Review 18 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent food, great value
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent food, great value for the price. Service was outstanding as well as the food!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 19 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A unique experience.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Ur server was also a student at the school and she was charming and well informed. Our food was well prepared and seasoned. Do not expect a sophisticated dining experience. This is a culinary school so have fun with your servers , they are excited to please . A three course meal down town for 25 dollars ! And free iced tea."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was "ok". Our expectation
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was "ok". Our expectation was not met as we heard rave reviews about the food at the culinary school. Perhaps it was the chef that wasn't at their best that day."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2005
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 21 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
delectable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"The ambiance was cozy and romantic. I loved the sound of the water hitting off the rocks. My husband raved over the cabbage soup. The hospitality and the timing was absolutely on point. The wine was delicious, not too mention the creme brulee was to die for. If your on a budget this is the place to go extremely affordable."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 22 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Give your review a title (optional)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent food and service. the Squash and French Onion Soups were great. I had the Pork Tenderloin which was exceptional. My son had the Skirt Steak which was also excellent. For desert the Apple Caramel Tart is amazing. The service was excellent as well. We will be back."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, romantic
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Review 23 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful Dining Experience!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I love going to JNA Institute of Culinary Arts since it is always a wonderful dining experience and a great value! The attentive service by the chefs and the quality of the cuisine are unmatched by any other restaurant in this price range for a delectable 3 course meal! I will definitely keep going back for more!!! BRAVO to JNA Institute of Culinary Arts!"
Dined on 02/07/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
What a nice surprise...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The JNA Institute was really a surprise. They have a great menu and we were surprised they had a wine list. Because of food allergies and high blood pressure, the menu was quite limited, but do-able. The Big Guy, Joe, was very helpful with regards to our choices. The food was delicious, but barely warm and not as requested. I know they are just beginning to learn their craft and they are also trying to appeal to the masses of people and not just a few individuals, but these days, allergies are HUGE in our society. To be prepared for that is key. I called ahead of time a few times to make sure there would not be a problem and was assured I could inform the wait staff, who was totally unprepared for the situation. I will go back..."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 25 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A hidden gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was surprisingly good. We really enjoyed it. The prix- fix menu offers sufficient selection of dishes to every taste, including vegetarian options. The place is not pretentious, but quality of food is very high."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 26 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The overall experience was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The overall experience was lovely. As our first time there we were extremely happy with
EVERYTHING. The manager and server made us feel very much at home."
EVERYTHING. The manager and server made us feel very much at home."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 27 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Convenient location, both
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Convenient location, both food and service were great. A very enjoyable evenin and we will be returning soon."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 28 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
As the name implies, this
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"As the name implies, this is a culinary school. All the cuisine is prepared by and served by their students. We were fortunate to have the first half of our meal in a totally empty dining room. This gave us a chance to learn about the school from our server and one of her instructors. Though the food was inconsistent, we enjoyed the overall experience. The menu changes seasonally so commenting about specific dishes is not helpful to others.
JNA is a good value and the small wine list is modestly priced. We will return again to enjoy a good meal and support the students in their endeavors."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2011
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Review 29 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
JNA was great! Great Service,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"JNA was great! Great Service, Delicious Food!"
Dined on 01/10/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 30 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Well priced 4 course dinner
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Well priced 4 course dinner (only exception salad was rather sparse!) My dinner companion really enjoyed potato soup and chicken entree. Matt our server did a good job"
Dined on 01/23/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 31 for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was ok-definitely had
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was ok-definitely had better but I really enjoyed the experience. The students work hard to impress their guests by being attentive and knowledgeable of the menu items. I'd go again to try some other options. There is a wine list available but you're welcomed to bring your own. Can't beat the price!"
Dined on 01/23/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, romantic
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Ratings-Only Reviews for JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
Based on the average of (24) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
2 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate